Reliable Blood Pressure Monitors: Accuracy & What to Expect

Question
Hello,

How accurate are personal blood pressure monitors, like those from ReliOn? I took my blood pressure and it was in the 130s, with the irregular heartbeat icon showing. I immediately took it a few more times, and it seemed to have quickly dropped to 108, then to 104. I switched to the right arm and it showed around 126. I did not get the irregular heartbeat symbol again after the first test. I also checked the batteries, which were fine.

Answer
bp monitors vary as far as accuracy, but in general they give a representation of what is happening.  BP is a dynamic process than changes minute to minute.  The arm cuffs are more accurate only because they are less affected by arm/heart position.  The wrist cuffs are ok if you have your wrist in just the right position relative to the heart.


But you will have some variation.